Man in the dock for wife’s gruesome murder

Court CorrespondentsA Chirundu man who allegedly crushed his wife’s skull with a 20kg rock in 2008 after accusing her of infidelity appeared in court yesterday. Sabawo Babawo (41) was facing murder charges when he appeared before Harare magistrate Mr Elijah Makomo who remanded him in custody and referred his trial to commence at the High Court on January 11.

Allegations are that on November 5 2008 Babawo, visited Juliet Gwiriko (18) at Nyamakate vending site at the 263km peg along the Harare-Chirundu Road.

The court heard that Gwiriko agreed to talk to Babawo at a distance, away from the other vendors. After preparing a communal meal in which the deceased also partook, the other vendors retired to bed leaving the two talking about 60 metres from the vending site.

It is alleged that after a while, the other vendors were awakened by Gwiriko who was screaming for help. The court heard that one Clement Elephant, who was nearby, went to investigate and upon arrival saw Babawo hastily walking away from Gwiriko who was lying down and crying in pain.

The court heard that Elephant informed other vendors who rushed to the scene and found Gwiriko already dead.

It is alleged that Gwiriko’s head had severe injuries and next to her body was a bloodied 20kg rock.

It is alleged that two letters were recovered from Gwiriko’s wallet that she had received from Babawo in which he was alleging promiscuity and wanted her to come back to him.

In the letters, Babawo it is alleged, made it clear that he would kill Gwiriko if the allegations of her promiscuous behaviour were proved to be true.